Computer Information Systems

Solving challenges through information technology.

Today's employers are seeking highly skilled technology professionals who know how to use technology to improve the organization's competitive edge. Stevenson's Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems is designed for those seeking a technical career in support of organizations.

Overview

Bachelor of Science

The Computer Information Systems major consists of core courses in applied programming, networking, and database design followed by an in-depth career-focused track. Many graduates of this program continue their education by pursuing a master's degree in business and technology management or forensic studies.

What Will You Learn?

Perform those information technology tasks essential to chosen career path in application, network, or database design.

Communicate with confidence and clarity technology ideas in team meetings and public forums.

Demonstrate a professional competency in research, analysis, and business writing.

Converse in the languages of application, network, and database design.

Assess business problems using analytical and critical thought processes to identify the best technology solution.

Pursue an IT career as a well-rounded technology professional, able to leverage talents and interests.

A complete listing of learning outcomes for the Computer Information Systems program can be found in our Academic Catalog.Learning Outcomes

Why Study Computer Information Systems?

Whether your career goal is in software development, cyber security, or network design and support, Stevenson's Computer Information Systems degree will prepare you to become a confident communicator in the corporate boardroom as well as an asset to the company's IT department.

Learn to assess business problems and select and implement the best technical solutions for organizational goals.

Design and develop software solutions not only for the Web but also for today's wireless devices.

Secure networks and infrastructures to ensure the integrity of data and security of personal and corporate information.

Apply knowledge of operating systems to construct various networking environments.

Courses & Requirements

Courses and Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements

SBL100 School of Business New Student Seminar

IS 134 MS Windows and Office Applications

IS 135 Advanced MS Office Applications

IS 140 Information Systems Architecture and Design

IS 150 Relational Database Design and SQL with MS Access

IS 170 Systems Development with UML

IS 201 Management Information Systems

IS 231 Network Technologies

IS 240 Programming Concepts with Visual Basic.NET

MGT 210 Business Writing

Select four:

IS 301 Principles of E-Commerce

IS 320 Human-Computer Interaction

IS 350 IS Internship

IS 380 Information Security for the Organization

IS 475 Special Topics in Information Systems

IS 480 Technology Law

IS 481 Project and Knowledge Management

Select two:

ACC 140 Managerial Accounting

MGT 204 Principles of Management

MKT 206 Principles of Marketing

One 300-400 Level INBUS, MGT or MKT course

Students must choose and complete the courses for one of the tracks listed below. If a student completes a track offered under Business Information Systems, the student will be awarded the Business Information Systems degree.

Software Design Track

IS 241 C# Object Oriented Programming

IS 252 Advanced SQL Query Design with Oracle & SQL Server

IS 343 Web Architecture and Design Technologies

IS 345 JAVA Programming

IS 348 Advanced Business Applications

IS 349 Service-Oriented Architecture and Dynamic Web Development

IS 444 Wireless Application Development

Network Design Track

IS 232 TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows and UNIX

IS 235 Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration

IS 331 Cisco TCP and IP Routing

IS 332 High Speed Broadband Networks

IS 335 Wireless LANs and Mobile Communication Systems

IS 431 Exchange Server and Messaging Systems

IS 432 Network Security-Firewalls, IDS, and Counter Measures

Computer Forensics Track

IS 232 TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows and UNIX

IS 235 Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration

IS 331 Cisco TCP and IP Routing

IS 391 Incident Response and Investigation

IS 392 Information Systems Forensics Internals—Auditing

IS 393 Forensic Evidence Collection Tools and Techniques

IS 432 Network Security—Firewalls, IDS, and Counter Measures

Last Updated: 03/17/2015

Tracks & Minors

Tracks and Minors

Tracks

Computer Forensics Track

Computer forensics is the use of specialized computer investigation techniques to identify, collect, preserve, examine, and analyze digital evidence for presentation in criminal or civil proceedings. Specialized tools enable the computer forensics investigator to develop timelines reconstructing computer usage across the Internet and corporate local area networks. The CIS Computer Forensics track offers a solid foundation in computer security culminating with elite skills in computer forensics. With the blend of security and forensics skills, graduates are not only prepared with the knowledge to prevent, detect, and recover from unauthorized malicious intrusions into the organization’s infrastructure but also to collect the digital evidence necessary to prosecute the intruders. Many graduates in this track elect to continue their education at the graduate level by pursuing a master's in forensic studies.

Network Design Track

Organizations today depend on complex multi-vendor technology infrastructures and highly skilled technical staff to support day-to-day operations. The CIS Network Design track prepares graduates with a blend of experience in leading Microsoft, UNIX, and Cisco technologies. Students take courses in Windows and UNIX server administration, network security, e-mail server and web server administration, Cisco routing, wireless networks, and mobile communication systems, all essential technology skills for the IT network professional.

Software Design Track

Software applications are developed for commercial off-the-shelf use or to solve specific internal organizational problems. The process consists of requirements analysis, data gathering, software design, coding, testing and maintenance. The CIS Software Design track prepares graduates with end-to-end practical experience in the design, development, and deployment of software solutions for the workplace. Students take courses in leading programming languages including C#, JAVA, ASP.NET, and Visual Basic.NET, using high value systems development tools such as Microsoft’s Visual Studio.NET and IBM’s WebSphere. This is a high-growth IT career field for those skilled in these cutting-edge technologies.

Minor

A minor in Information Systems is available. Students who wish to pursue a minor in Information Systems may choose any six IS courses from the Business Information Systems or Computer Information Systems programs. IS 134 will count toward the minor. The lowest acceptable grade is a “C“ in all IS courses. All course prerequisites must be met to be eligible to take the selected course for a minor. Please see an academic advisor for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

B.S. to M.S. Option

The B.S. to M.S. option is available for students majoring in Computer Information Systems who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a B.S. to M.S. option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. For more information on this program see the School of Graduate and Professional Studies catalog.